Ban: Suspected Soldiers Resist Arrest As Lagos Impounds I64 Okada

A total of 164 motorcycles, popularly called “Okada” were on Tuesday, impounded by the Lagos State Taskforce, in some parts of the state over illegal operations.

The enforcement, ordered by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP, Adegoke Fayoade, took place at Badagry Expressway, Mile 2, Second Rainbow Bus Stop, V-Naija Bus Stop, Alabasuru and Berger Bus Stop.

Speaking on the enforcement, the Chairman of the Agency, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Adetayo Akerele, disclosed that most of the operators hide under the guise of the bikes belonging to soldiers or are operated by soldiers in the vicinity in a bid to evade arrest when caught in the act.

He said: “We encountered some form of resistance from okada operators who claimed that the bikes belong to soldiers and therefore are untouchable.

“I quickly cleared their doubt and used it as a means to sound a note of warning that there are no sacred cows when it comes to restoring sanity on our roads.”

The impounded okada was taken to the task force headquarters where they will be crushed.

The chairman further reminded uniform personnel, who make use of okada as a means of transportation, to ensure that they are fully kitted in their regalia while on a bike

He also urged commuters to desist from patronizing okada operators who not only pose safety risks to the passenger and rider but also a security risk to all residents due to the use of okada as a quick getaway means by criminal elements.